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Residents tell Grant County board herbicide spraying and dredging have 'sterilized' banks; board to inspect and seek quotes
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Summary
At the April 14 meeting residents described repeated spraying that killed vegetation along ditch banks, urged alternative stabilization (riprap, seeding) and requested clearer plans and notices; the board agreed to inspect sites, seek quotes and coordinate with state agencies as needed.
Multiple residents at the April 14 Grant County Drainage Board meeting told the board that recent vegetation-spraying and dredging work along several ditches left banks bare and made replanting difficult.
Jerry Solis (speaker 5) told the board that previous spray applications left banks and adjoining areas dead: "Everything's been killed ... it killed everything," he said, describing an area where trees, saplings and grass would not grow back after spraying. Peg Soles (speaker 9) said the ground at her property "has been sterilized," and asked whether the county could use netting and seeding or a different approach than repeated herbicide application.
Staff (speaker 2) and board members said they would inspect the sites with residents, obtain contractor quotes for dredging and riprap where needed, and—where state rights-of-way or bridges are involved—attempt to coordinate with state agencies. Staff noted the county can pursue either contracting locally or request that the state address bridge crossings but cautioned that work under a state bridge is often less likely to be done by the state.
Resident Danny Newhouse (speaker 10) and others asked for clarity on easement limits and whether removing stumps would require federal permissions; staff advised checking with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) or other resource agencies before approving stump removal in sensitive areas.
Several residents asked for clearer pre-work notices and for staff to walk problem sites with landowners so everyone understands the same work scope. The board directed staff to obtain quotes for dredging and brushing where funds permit, to consult relevant agencies on wetlands and easements, and to schedule site visits with residents who raised concerns.
The meeting record shows board members repeatedly distinguishing between work the county can perform inside its easements and work that would require state or federal permission; staff indicated they will follow up with landowners and bring results to the next meeting or to the scheduled hearings and bid processes.
